Adviser surveys
A deep dive into issues, insights, and strategic developments, specifically for financial advisersOur surveys take the pulse of the adviser community
The Schroders Adviser Pulse Survey provides a valuable snapshot of priorities across the adviser landscape. This year’s survey, conducted in May 2026, highlights that the advice market is becoming more specialised, more technology-enabled and more commercially focused as firms respond to persistent uncertainty, rising planning complexity and changing client needs.
Planning
Exploring the challenges and opportunities facing advisers, and how to respond to them.
A wide view
Over 210 advisers provided us with their opinions and insights.
Strategy
Delving into how financial advisers are developing their thinking, and planning ahead.
Turning to active management
Advisers are increasingly turning to active management as they respond to a more volatile and uncertain market environment.
Nearly a quarter (23%) have already increased active allocations in response to market volatility – almost three times the proportion (9%) moving further towards passive strategies.
Navigating a more uncertain world
Advisers are adjusting to a more uncertain economic outlook.
Almost two-thirds (65%) of advisers now expect higher inflation over the next five years, up from 31% in November 2025. Meanwhile, 46% expect higher interest rates and 66% anticipate greater geopolitical disruption.
Broadening diversification opportunities
Over half (51%) of advisers are actively adjusting client portfolios, with 28% moving into cash.
Advisers are also widening diversification, with 44% exploring alternatives such as gold, active ETFs and Long-Term Asset Funds (LTAFs).
Adapting to tax and policy change
Tax and policy change is becoming a bigger client concern, especially around pensions and inheritance.
While capital loss (36%) and geopolitical risk (32%) remain the top concerns overall, tax is now the number one concern for 16% of advisers. Over half (52%) say clients are very concerned about potential changes, and 31% expect more than half their client base will need estate-planning changes as a result.
Growth opportunities amid rising pressure
Adviser confidence remains strong despite ongoing pressures, with most expecting business growth over the next 12 months.
Some 83% of advisers expect their client base to grow, with tax and estate planning seen as the leading growth opportunity over the next two to three years. But growth is being tempered by pressure on profitability, with 88% saying regulatory and cost burdens are making it harder to serve lower-value clients.
Embedding AI and technology in advice
AI is moving rapidly into the mainstream of advice.
More than half (51%) of advisers already use AI in their advice process, with a further 24% planning to adopt it within the next 12 months – suggesting nearly three-quarters will be AI-enabled by mid-2027. Meanwhile, 41% are using or exploring digital advice solutions, and only 8% now see AI purely as a threat.
6-8 min read
2026 UK Adviser Pulse Survey: Navigating a more uncertain world
Insights from our latest Adviser Pulse Survey show how firms are navigating higher volatility through resilient portfolios, broader diversification, and greater focus on tax and estate planning advice.
Authors: Jamie Fowler, Head of UK Wealth and Stuart Podmore, Investment Propositions Director
Adviser reports - the key takeaways
Adviser surveys - the full results
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